MacCoubrey Funeral Home
30 King St. E., Cobourg
MacCoubrey Funeral Home
30 King St. E., Cobourg
St. Michael's Cemetery
Burnham Street, Cobourg
MacCoubrey Funeral Home Reception Centre
30 King Street East, Cobourg
This obituary is protected by copyright by MacCoubrey Funeral Home Limited. Proudly serving Northumberland County in the province of Ontario, Canada. All rights reserved.
We are heartbroken and saddened to announce the passing of our wonderful son, father, brother and uncle, Karl vom Dorff. Karl passed away at Northumberland Hills Hospital in his 46th year on Sunday November 10, 2024 after a courageous fight to free himself from the ventilator.
He leaves behind his greatest joy in life, his daughter Ella as well as his loving parents Margaret and Bernd, his dear sister Monika, brother-in-law Mike and god-daughter/niece Maggie.
Born November 27, 1978 in Cobourg ON, he lived here most of his life. In 1997 he suffered a spinal cord injury that left him wheelchair dependent for the rest of his life. That didn't stop Karl from showing the world what he was made of.
In 2007 he graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Biology (Honours) and a Minor in German at Carleton University in Ottawa and settled back in Cobourg in his own Condo, opening up his own web design business and IT specialties: NUMBDESIGN.
He was diversely talented in so many different ways, especially music. Some will recall the Cobourg Song he wrote "One Way Track" when he ran for Cobourg Council in 2018. You can find it on You-Tube under his name and Cobourg Song. A brilliant piece of his talent where he put together the local video clips to his music for a fun and upbeat original by KvD.
He could fix and repair almost anything and humorously posted his work on Facebook with photos "Crip fixes Crap" Many of his friends acknowledged Karl as a worthy mentor and advisor, he could solve almost any dilemma.
Travelling and vacationing was always on top of Karl's mind. He has travelled on numerous family vacations before his accident but even after he became wheelchair dependent he enjoyed many holidays. His list of places he has been include, Germany, the Netherlands, Austria, Czech Republic, Belgium, Canary Islands, Jamaica, Aruba, Bahamas, Turks and Caicos and an Alaskan cruise.
Karl served on the Board Of Directors for Northumberland Standard Condo Corp 58 for 2 years. He also was the Chair for the Northumberland Accessibility Advisory Committee right up to his debilitating health tragedy last Feb 28, 2023.
He also received recognition for his volunteer work in website designs at not for profit businesses like Cobourg Daycare Inc. and Club Loreley in Oshawa.
Mostly, though Karl was an honest, generous loving person and he will be forever missed by all who knew him.
A funeral service will be held at MacCoubrey Funeral Home, 30 King St. E. Cobourg, ON K9A 1K7 on Saturday, November 16, 2024. Visitation from 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM. Roman Catholic service at 2:00 PM with interment to follow at St. Michael's Cemetery. Friends and family will then be welcomed to a reception afterwards at MacCoubrey Funeral Home reception hall.
donations may be made to Spinal Cord Injury Ontario (SCIONTARIO) or any other organization of your choice. The family is very grateful to the ICU teams at NHH as well as PRHC and Toronto Western UHN
Berndt, Margaret, Monika & family, Sending you my deepest sympathies. Karl will be missed. Lots of love.
Ik wens mijn familie kracht en sterkte met dit grote verlies en voor Karl R.I.P.
Van harte gecondoleerd en heel veel sterkte voor familie en vrienden.
Bernd, my utmost and sincerest sympathies. I know only too well what it is like to lise a child. It is just over 1 year since my daughter was taken. Keith
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Spinal Cord Injury Ontario
Sorry for your loss. We extend our deepest condolences. Sending our thoughts and prayers to the Vom Dorff family. May he Rest In Peace.
Sending my sincere condolences to Karls family. May your loving memories bring you peace and may the stories you share with Ella bring life to the memories. Sheryl
Gecontroleerd met het grote verlies van Karl. Heel erg veel sterkte in deze zware tijd. Veel liefs van José en fam.
Gecondoleerd met dit grote verlies van Karl. Wens jullie heel veel kracht en sterkte toe in deze moeilijke tijd. Lieve groet Dorien van Laake en Familie.
Liebe Margaret und lieber Bernd, Das darf doch nicht wahr sein! Das war der laute Ausruf, als Manfred die Todesnachricht von Eurem Sohn aufschlug. Und doch ist es wahr. Für Euch ist es furchtbar! Ihr habt so viel Hoffnung immer wieder gehabt und immer wieder fallen lassen müssen. Karl geht nun im Himmel und bei Gott einer guten Zeit entgegen und braucht sich nicht mehr zu quälen. Für Euch ist es wichtig, dass Ihr jetzt mit positiven Gedanken im Sinne Eures Sohnes und für die kleine Ella weiterlebt. Diese Aufgabe wird Euch etwas Trost geben, auch wenn es furchtbar wehtut. Das Bild von Vater und Töchterchen ist soooo schön! Behaltet ihn so in Eurem Herzen. Wir denken an Euch und wünschen Euch viel Kraft! Margret uns Manfred
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Spinal Cord Injury Ontario
It is with great sadness we read about Karl's passing. We are sending our sincerest condolences to Karl's beloved family. May he rest in peace.
So very so sorry to hear of Karl's passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this time.
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Spinal Cord Injury Ontario
I met Karl at Carleton University in my first year. He was living with another wheelchair-bound friend of mine. We bonded over spinal cord injuries (my brother) and our common heritage. Karl was a kind, witty person, and over the years, we kept in touch, if sporadically. He led a full and adventurous life. I am so saddened to hear of his passing and am devastated for his young daughter, parents and family. Though we have not met, I carry your family in my prayers and extend my deepest sympathies to you all in your time of grief.
Dear Margaret and Bernie We share in your grief Karl was such a special person. Courageous , strong and gentle. He left behind a beautiful gift-little Ella. We will treasure her and the memories of Karl. Heartfelt love and sympathy to you and all the family Glenys and David
Dear Margaret and Bernd, I worked with Karl for a brief time at Springdale Farms. Karl was such a hard worker, very polite and so much fun to be around. I am in shock at his passing, but he was a fighter to the end. He accomplished so much, and you can be so proud. You raised him right. Love Bev
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Spinal Cord Injury Ontario
Margaret, Bernie and family, we were so sorry to hear of Karl's passing. He was such a kind, wonderful, inspiring man. Our thoughts and love are with you all at this very sad time.
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Spinal Cord Injury Ontario
Dear Margaret, Bernie and little Ella, Sending you all a heartfelt embrace. So sorry for your loss of Karl. We will miss Karl's big smile and positive energy around the condo and Cobourg boardwalks. He was an inspiration to many and touched the hearts of many. Cherish your memories. May they give you comfort. Karl's bright light will live on in beautiful Ella. Thinking of you all. ❤️ Diane & Glenn
Sincerest condolences. You are in my thoughts and prayers at this difficult time. It was a privilege to care for Karl and to know his dedicated family. May you find comfort at this time ❤️
Rest in piece Karl. Thinking of Monika, Karl’s parents and all those who knew and loved him.
Sorry for your loss God Bless
I am shocked and saddened to have just heard of Karl’s passing. Although it has been a few decades since I last spoke to him, I can see from this loving and wonderfully written obituary that he led a very rich and fulfilling life. He overcame so much undoubtedly with the love and support of his pillars (family and friends) to do so much in life. I hope that his family understands that his story is an inspiration to others of which they should be most proud.
My deepest condolences to the vom Dorff family. May he rest in peace. I have fond memories of Karl from such a young age. Thinking of you all.
DEAR FRENDS FROM SAINT MICHEALS ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS.JB
My sincere condolences to the vom Dorff family. Early years at St Michaels and St Joseph’s will be fondly remembered.
I so very sorry your for loss of Karl. He was kind and loving person and everyone liked him who knew him.And condolences to you all. Tammy Scott Mother Lynn. Solinski
Margaret...so sorry to hear of your son Karl's passing. My condolences to you and your family. What a great picture of Karl. So sorry for your loss. Paul Sherwin
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Spinal Cord Injury Ontario
Dear Margaret and Bernie & Family: We are so saddened to hear of Karl's passing. Such a kind and compassionate spirit, and such an intellegent and talented person. He will truly be missed by all of us. He has left behind a wonderful light in this world - in Ella. Please accept our sincere condolences.
Shine⭐✨ so Bright when you are a Angel, As you Did here on earth. Xoxo your Cuz Jenny Schrurs-Berlie and her husband Maurits Schrurs and our Cats Tupac Shakur and Dr. Dre from The Netherlands ❤❤❤❤🇵🇸✌
My condolences to Karl's family and friends. From playing as little kids to highschool to a few good conversations and working together on a couple of projects years ago, Karl was always a great guy. Rest in peace Karl!
Im so saddened to find out about this my heart goes to his family mom amd dad and his sister hopefully he can find peace happiness with no more suffering.
Margaret and Bernie…I’m so saddened to hear of Karl’s passing. Condolences to you both Juliet
Margaret and Bernie we are so saddened to hear of Karl's passing. Karl always had a smile and chatted whenever we seen him. Ella was a bright light in his life and he was so grateful for your dedication as parents and Grandparents. RIP Karl 🙏
Shocked to hear this news. Karl sure was an excellent history student. Blessings for his family at this difficult time. He sure will be missed.
Good bye young Buddy and great friend we will miss you so much We loved all your talents and all the times you played the key board and organized the fun times at our Condo we were saddened by your illness and last years in the .hospital ,rest in peace your memories will live on forever Bob N Marguerite
I am so very saddened by the news of Karl's passing. Although I haven't been in touch with him in several years, I do remember Karl as an excellent music student of mine at St. Mary's S.S. It does sound like he lived more in his 45 years than many do in a long lifetime. My deepest condolences to his family.
Our hearts break for you. Far too young to be taken. Our deepest Condolences.
Always a laugh, always a smile… a pleasure to sit and chat a while! Family and friends you are in my thoughts and prayers at this very difficult time! Katherine Johns
Margaret, Bernie and little Ella, I am so sorry to hear of Karl’s passing. I know he will be greatly missed. My thoughts are with you all.
I’m so very sorry to hear of Karl’s passing. My condolences go out to his family. May your cherished memories sustain you.
On behalf of Gerald and the late Theresa Ferguson, please accept our family’s condolences on the loss of Karl. Theresa taught Karl in Grade 2, and she often spoke of his kindness at such a young age. It seems he never changed, and we hope you are comforted knowing that his spirit was never broken. Where we may have seen obstacles, it seems Karl saw opportunity. Your family will be in our thoughts and prayers as you navigate this difficult time.
Margaret&family, so very sorry 😢 to read of the passing of your beloved son Karl. Our deepest condolances go out to you. Hugs
Please accept my heartfelt condolences on the loss of your beautiful son. Thinking of you during this very difficult time. May Karl rest in peace and his many wonderful memories help sustain you
We were deeply saddened to hear of Karl’s passing. Thinking of you and wishing you strength, comfort and peace during this most difficult time.
i enjoyed your music , when we did hang out it was fun, it was good talking when we did . Currahee ! God speed good sir
It was a privilege to care for Karl. He was a gracious and remarkable man, with the best twinkle in his eye! Margaret and Bernie, it was wonderful to get to know you and make connections with you both and Ella! Sending you all hugs and my heartfelt condolences and prayers. Please be gentle with yourself during this difficult time.
Very poignant to receive the news of so many loved ones having to part with dear Karl. The picture of him holding Ella is wonderful and a moving tribute to a very fine person who will live on in many people’s hearts and memories for years to come. I treasure moments spent with Karl and he will always be in my heart and thoughts. With love, Susan
I met Karl in 1997 at the rehab center for common spinal cord injury. We shared a room there, and bonded instantly. He is greatly missed.
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Spinal Cord Injury Ontario
Bernie and Margaret and family we are so very sorry for the loss of Karl. A very bright young man with a loving soul. In the short time we got to know him he always greeted with a smile and kind words. We will see his smile in his little Ella’s face for years to come. Love and prayers for you all at this sad time. Love Penny and Clay .
My sincere condolences in bringing you some peace and comfort. Karl will always hold a special place in our hearts, he was our little karaoke buddy! May his twinkle for life live on in his beautiful daughter Ella. I am so very sorry for your loss, my thoughts and prayers are with you. Hugs to all, Margaret, Bernie and Miss Ella ♥️ TL
My dear friend of nearly twelve years, I can’t believe this is the end. I will forever cherish our time and adventures together. You always gave the best advice and taught me many things that I’ll never forget. Your brain, the most intelligent, and your determination to live the best life possible no matter what hardship you faced, will always be remembered. Ella will live on your legacy and you will be her angel and guiding light in this crazy world. It’s not goodbye, it’s see you later Bump. 💐❤️
Our deepest condolences. Wishing you strength and comfort through this difficult time. Cherish your memories
Always a great energy to be around. You are missed in so many ways and by so many people. Grace and Gratitude to have known you. Warmth.
Ich bin sehr traurig von Karl's Tod zu hören. Meine Gedanken sind bei Euch.
Mit Bestürzung haben wir vom Tod von Karl erfahren. Wir möchten unsere tiefe Anteilnahme ausdrücken und wünschen viel Kraft. Unfassbar!
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Spinal Cord Injury Ontario
My heart is broken. You all know how much I thought of this man...his courage, his humour, his willingness to live life as much as anyone. No words!!!!
I remember Karl and his sister, Monica from St. Secondary School. Karl and Monica are remembered as being bright and cheerful youth. I enjoyed having them as students. On afield trip in Washington, D.C., I heard about Karl,s devastating accident. I had to announce it to his friends who were equally devastated. Karl proved that one could led a full life despite his handicap. His determination to travel and volunteer to help others is so admirable. Karl, May you. Rest in peace Sincerely Peter Brotherhood
We share in your grief Margaret & Bern’s, and hold you in our prayers dear friends. Ella will carry on his legacy here, and help to bring some comfort to you all in your tragic loss of Karl. Love to you dears xxoxx
With heartfelt condolences I wish you peace and comfort. Please know that you are all, Margaret, Bernie and little Ella in my thoughts and prayers. Karl always had a smile for us, and would nod and share his musical attributes during his care and karaoke days. I am deeply sorry for your loss. ELDA
I am so very sorry for your loss. My heart goes out to all who loved him and to all he loved. Lee Ann (Jonesy's Barber Shop)
We are so sorry to hear of Karl’s passing. He fought a courageous battle for many years. We are sending our love to you all.
Our deepest condolence to the family. It is heartbreaking to hear of his passing. Karl was a very special person and will be very much missed. xo
So sorry to hear. Now he can finally be at peace.
Monika and Mr and Mrs vom Dorff - I am sorry to hear of Karl’s passing. My condolences to you and all of your family. Thinking of you during this time.
Dear Margaret and Bernie, our heart goes out to you and your family and beautiful Ella. Karl and his wonderful smile and friendliness and of course talents will be missed here at the condo. May he rest in peace.
I am so saddened to hear this news about the loss of your wonderful son. Please accept my sincere condolences.
Words can not describe our sorrow for your loss Cousin Margaret an Bernt...and.Monica the loss of your brother. He was a smart,big strong loving an talented man. He will be missed by many. Forever in our memorys.